ESPN’s Lee Corso Moved to Tears by ‘College GameDay’ Tribute, and Fans Loved It

ESPN College GameDay’s Lee Corso made his 400th headgear pick Saturday, continuing a tradition that started in 1996. The 88 year-old former coach has become a staple of college football coverage thanks to his unique tradition.

To honor Corso, ESPN put together a video that revisited the origin of the headgear tradition and Corso’s impact on college football. Corso colleagues Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Rece Davis and Chris Fowler were all featured in the video tribute, as well as notable coaches such as Nick Saban, Kirby Smart and Marcus Freeman, who also shared their thoughts on the legendary analyst.

ESPN appeared to surprise Corso with the video, as he was brought to tears live on College GameDay after the network aired the tribute. Corso then thanked everyone who helped make the segment so iconic, from ESPN colleagues to Herbstreit’s wife.

As ESPN aired the segment, fans and pundits posted their appreciation for Corso and his tradition on social media.

Corso’s 400th headgear pick will also come with a first, as College GameDay has not been to Boulder since the tradition began, until Saturday. And, fittingly, Corso picked the Buffaloes to defeat their in-state rival.